Duchess of Cambridge wears McQueen in Birkenhead to visit RSS Sir David Attenborough
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Birkenhead today, for the naming ceremony of the ship the public voted to be named ‘Boaty McBoatface’.
The research vessel, which has officially been named after Sir David Attenborough, will enable world-leading research to be carried out in Antarctica and the Arctic over the next three decades.
Their Royal Highnesses will meet a team of engineers from Cammell Laird who have been involved in the ship’s build, including young apprentices.
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![The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for the naming ceremony of the polar research ship in Birkenhead [Photo: PA]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/H8uTL4OxO2J6UK2C4rRfhg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2019-09/d93163a0-e057-11e9-bfc7-535a55b8fd96)
The couple are accompanied by Sir David Attenborough, who will join them as they visit the flight deck to meet scientists who will demonstrate how the state-of-the-art equipment is used to carry out research while out at sea.
The ceremony will see the Duchess, who is the ship’s sponsor, smash a bottle of Champagne on the ship’s hull - a tradition which dates back hundreds of years.
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For the occasion, Kate opted to rewear her customised coat dress from Alexander McQueen. It is a clear favourite for the Duchess, who first debuted the coat back in 2014 when she attended a remembrance service for New Zealand’s war dead.
![The Duchess of Cambridge opted to rewear her powder blue Alexander McQueen Utility Coat in Birkenhead [Photo: Getty Images]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6RRSLdjn6Vf__Wcql_y_pw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2019-09/5e790a20-e05a-11e9-9bdf-b802509ce7d4)
![The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge join Sir David Attenborough for the naming ceremony of the polar research ship in Birkenhead [Photo: Getty Images]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LC2kiZLOLMRquz2SCf1ABQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2019-09/1d02f690-e05b-11e9-87ff-f42aec97e3e1)
Made from wool crepe fabric with a rayon and acetate blend, the coat is belted, features deep utility pockets and includes hidden buttons and snaps. Although Kate’s version has been altered as it falls below the knee, is collared and includes a peplum pocket feature.
The coat costs a purse-bursting £2,345 and has, unsurprisingly, completely sold out.
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To complete the look, the Duchess styled her coat with a £1,850 navy Asprey 1781 Pochette clutch bag, £395 block heel court shoes by Emmy London and £3,750 white gold and diamond drop earrings by Mappin & Webb.
The total cost of the Duchess’ outfit is estimated at a whopping £8,495.
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